Quick question for Thomas if he's reading
I understand and appreciate the loyalty program. I think it's great to reward your loyal customers, however your Facebook comments from potential customers seems to be covered in negativity.
Are you concerned about alienating new customers?
The reason I ask is thefollowing:
Fanatec have had an awful reputation for the worst customer service and poor quality control in the sim racing hardware sector for the last few years.
Many customers/reviewers have posted and voiced their disappointment/opinions on this.
Some new customers were put off because of this, and subsequently didn't shop with fanatec.
Now, those new customers who changed their opinion and want to give fanatec a chance, are not able to?
This scheme is Driving them to shop elsewhere or (as is seen on FB) express negativity regarding the situation (perpetuating the situation)
Would it be better to send the invites out (as described) and those who get one get 100 euro off the purchase price, but still allow new customers to at least place an order now?
Then for every voucher that isn't chashed in, you send an early v2 to one of the non voucher pre orders.
This would surly make customers happier, give you more of an idea of how big these orders are going to be, and allow you to Estimate production and delivery time frames a little more accurately.
This way you can still honour your original discount promotion to all current CSW customers etc and remove the chances for new customers to shop else where or experience even more disappointment?
As a new customer, I'm trying to shop with you, and I find it a tad strange that some invite receivers may only be buying a v2 (at a discount) to sell it on ebay!
Where as I am trying to spend £2000 (as a new customer) on a complete package, I want an actual product to use not to sell for profit?
The fact that this is not possible because of an arbitrary obstruction seems strange and makes me feel uneasy, the shopping experience appears to be slightly off.
Any way, it's just an idea.
Im sure many buyers would be happy to place a pre order with you for an expected delivery date of around December/Jan time.
You can still send out wheels to your invite customers first and let other customers at least place the order?
It doesn't stop the "invite only exclusivity" as yet get priority and discount but it stops people feeling left out, negativity and loss of business.
Already we have seen vouchers and hardware on eBay (users saying they will ship the wheel to the buyer as soon as it arrives) code are already available from some eBay users.
Wouldn't you rather have me pay you 599 euro now, or pay some ebayer 699 euro? Either way I get a wheel, but you lose money!
Some of these customers who are selling the v2 bases (on arrival) and vouchers aren't actually all that loyal to you, so what's better, a potential new loyal customer who wants to spend a lot of money for an actual product, or a current non loyal customer who is selling your stuff on eBay to make money while you lose money?
I'm not hating, just trying to understand the logic behind this strange procedure.
